Israel strikes mosque in Ain al Hilweh camp in Lebanon

One of the most serious incidents of the current escalation was recorded in southern Lebanon. Israeli air forces carried out a series of strikes on the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al Hilweh located in the Sidon area. According to official data from the Ministry of Health of Lebanon, the death toll has reached thirteen. Lebanese medical workers report that more people may remain under the rubble as clearing of the destroyed structures continues and access to parts of the premises is limited. Civil defense representatives note that some buildings sustained major damage and rescue work is complicated by the condition of the structures. Information on casualties is being updated as search operations continue.

The airstrikes targeted a mosque located inside the camp. The complex served as a gathering place and shelter for residents. At the moment of the attack, people were inside the building after attending a sports event held on the adjacent stadium grounds. Lebanese journalists working at the site reported that most of the victims were teenagers under eighteen who were inside the sports facility. According to the correspondents, some of the injured suffered severe wounds and were taken to medical centers in the region where doctors continue to provide assistance. Medical institutions in Sidon are operating in an intensified mode and have mobilized additional specialist teams.

Local civil defense structures confirm that rubble removal has been ongoing for several hours. The work is complicated by the dense layout of the camp and the lack of free access routes for heavy equipment. Rescuers are using manual tools and mobile equipment, which slows operations. Lebanese authorities state that efforts are aimed at extracting everyone who may remain inside the destroyed premises. Officials emphasize that the scale of damage exceeds initial assessments and additional resources may be required to complete search and rescue work.

According to Lebanese representatives, this strike is considered the deadliest incident on the country’s territory since the start of the Al Aqsa Flood operation. Lebanese structures state that the attack on a mosque inside a refugee camp violates international humanitarian law and increases the risk of further escalation. Political actors in Lebanon have expressed concern about a possible rise in tensions along the southern border. Representatives of the Sidon municipality reported that the strike caused major destruction to social facilities located within the camp.

Various organizations in Lebanon continue documenting the consequences of the airstrikes. Their reports note that the number of destroyed structures is growing as the inspection of the area progresses. They emphasize that the Ain al Hilweh camp is one of the most densely populated territories in the region, which increases the risk of high casualties when strikes target civilian infrastructure. Observers note that the situation in the camp requires urgent coordination between medical services, local authorities and humanitarian organizations.

Government agencies in Lebanon state that steps will be taken to document the aftermath. Authorities are collecting data on the condition of buildings, the number of casualties and the nature of the destruction. Work is underway to clarify lists of missing persons. The Ministry of Health underscores the need to deploy additional resources to treat the wounded and provide medical support. Civil defense structures say they are ready to continue search and rescue operations until their full completion.

The situation in the Sidon area remains tense. Lebanese security services have strengthened control at the entrances to the camp and continue to monitor the situation. Local residents report that the effects of the strikes are felt not only within the camp but also in nearby areas where some homes and social facilities were damaged. Authorities note that further assessment of the destruction is required as well as measures to prevent deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Updated information on search operations will be provided as reports from rescue units become available.

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